Now Jay Cutler is Lovie Smith's problem. That's not the term, of course, that the Chicago Bears coach uses to portray the vibe with his new quarterback. But if that's the perception, then it's a problem Smith can live with after last week's blockbuster trade took Cutler off the hands of the Denver Broncos.

Mike Tomlin mixed with the reporters at Raheem Morris' table during a breakfast for NFC head coaches at the recent league meetings, and in a bit of role reversal the Pittsburgh Steelers coach quickly demonstrated a knack for asking a pertinent question. "What makes you think you're ready for such a job?" Tomlin asked Morris, 32, who replaced Jon Gruden as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach in January.

The quarterback quandary in Denver is over. Not so the competition. Kyle Orton and Chris Simms have been told they have to earn the right to replace Jay Cutler, who was traded to Chicago last weekend, ending a six-week soap opera that began when the Pro Bowl passer decided he didn't want to play for new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.

If Kyle Orton wants to start for the Chicago Bears next season, he'll have to earn the job. General manager Jerry Angelo made it clear Tuesday he's in the market for a quarterback after his team went 9-7 and missed the playoffs for the second straight year, although he's not necessarily ready to give up on the one in place. He also praised former Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli and appeared to put defensive coordinator Bob Babich on notice during his season-ending news conference.

Kyle Orton finished with a quarterback rating of 48.7. Running back Matt Forte was held to 20 yards rushing through the first three quarters. The Green Bay Packers outgained the Chicago Bears by 115 yards and held an 8-minute edge in time of possession.